Compatibility Study Examining the Physical and Chemical Stability of Calcipotriene Ointment 0.005% with Three Topical Corticosteroids: Clobetasol Ointment 0.05%, Desoximetasone Ointment 0.25%, and Desoximetasone Ointment 0.05%

Abstract

Combination topical therapy with calcipotriene ointment and topical corticosteroids is a useful treatment strategy for plaque psoriasis. Combination therapies involve using several drugs at once to optimize their effectiveness while potentially reducing unwanted adverse effects of the corticosteroid. Clobetasol propionate ointment 0.05% and desoximetasone ointment 0.25% are high-potency corticosteroids that are used for their anti-inflammatory and antipruritic properties in a variety of skin disorders. Calcipotriene ointment is a synthetic derivative of calcitriol, or vitamin D, used in the treatment of plaque psoriasis, but it can be inactivated by certain topical medications. Clinical trials involving the combination calcipotriene with topical corticosteroids have demonstrated clinical benefit compared with corticosteroid monotherapy. This study evaluated the physical and chemical compatibility of combination of topical therapies with a new, generic formulation of calcipotriene. Calcipotriene ointment 0.005% was compatible both physically and chemically when compounded with the high-potency topical corticosteroids clobetasol ointment 0.05% and desoximetasone ointment 0.25% and 0.05%.